DCM-202 and Comcast Powerboost

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:58 am

Hey guys,

I just started tweaking my connection settings and have run into a major issue. I have a separate forum discussing the overall tweaking and a little bit about this problem, but I want to get more details on this exact issue. It seems like I am unable to get Powerboost with my dlink DCM-202 cable modem. I have no idea why because it is DOCSIS2.0 and backwards compatible (Powerboost is supposedly on DOCSIS1.1).

I called Comcast and they state that I am connected as DOCSIS1.1, but when I look at my cable modem diagnostics page here are the settings, it shows that I only have a maximum of 6.6 Mb down (I think is DOCSIS1.0 standard):

Downstream Signal
Default Downstream Frequency: Hz
Frequency: 741000000 Hz
QAM Mode: 256 QAM
Channel Power: -1.5 dBmV
SNR: 33.924 dB

Upstream Signal
Channel Id: 2
Frequency: 23750000 Hz
Channel Width: 3200000 Hz
Channel Power: 43.6 dBmV

DOCSIS1.0 Class of Service Parameters
Class ID 2
Max Downstream Rate (bps) 6600000
Max Upstream Rate (bps) 384000
Upstream Channel Priority 1
Guaranteed Min Upstream Data Rate (bps) 0
Max Upstream Transmit Burst (bytes) 0
Privacy Enable 1

I have also updated to the latest firmware version 2.0.1 which did absolutely nothing.

Does anyone have any ideas?

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:19 pm

Are you sure that powerboost has been setup in your area?

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:34 pm

YARDofSTUF wrote:Are you sure that powerboost has been setup in your area?

Yes posative. The Comcast guys eve said I shoudl be getting it.

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:18 pm

no need to start a whole other thread on the same subject..

bottom line is get rid of that modem and get you a Motorola modem.. the SB5120 works great with comcast.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:05 pm

Ya if your renting the modem exchange it for a different one. If you own that one have them reset the modem on their end, you'll have to unplug it as well for a bit, see if it sets up correctly after that.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:20 am

YARDofSTUF wrote:Ya if your renting the modem exchange it for a different one. If you own that one have them reset the modem on their end, you'll have to unplug it as well for a bit, see if it sets up correctly after that.

Will I notice a change in the DOCSIS1.0 Class of Service Parameters? Right now I see that:
Max Downstream Rate (bps) 6600000
Max Upstream Rate (bps) 384000

So I am assuming that I can only reach the 6.6 mark and 384 mark. What should it be for "powerboost" customers?

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:28 am

I'm trying to save you aggrivation on comcasts system by just going out and spending like 40$ that will give you good speeds for many years to come. The SB5120 is the best modem on their network to use.

You can forget all these troubles getting this modem.. if for some reason it don't work just send it back to whoever you got it from. Newegg has them, lots of places have them pretty cheap now around that 40$ mark. Powerboost is funky on alot of modems and if its a older one you have then it may not work right with it.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:44 am

Motorola or Arris modem best to have with Comcast...as they natively support those. I've had the Motorola 5120...pretty much the most popular modem for Comcast. Several months ago I upgraded to Comcasts VoIP/HD/Internet package....so I have the Arris mta modem now...just as fast.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:17 pm

There are people with the DCM202 that have powerboost working. I dont know what the modem would say, I have the 5120 as well and it doesnt list the speed in its status page.

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Pick the closest server, what speeds do you get?

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:41 pm

Sava700 wrote:I'm trying to save you aggrivation on comcasts system by just going out and spending like 40$ that will give you good speeds for many years to come. The SB5120 is the best modem on their network to use.

You can forget all these troubles getting this modem.. if for some reason it don't work just send it back to whoever you got it from. Newegg has them, lots of places have them pretty cheap now around that 40$ mark. Powerboost is funky on alot of modems and if its a older one you have then it may not work right with it.

You have a great point that I could just go out an buy a new modem, which would solve the problem. Its not even about the money, but the simple fact that it should work. There is no reason why it should not. I would have no problem spending the cash if it was a issue with the modem, but the more I read about it on even other websites, the more I suspect that it is just the level one support at Comcast that dosn't know how to trouble shoot the issue.

YARDofSTUF wrote:There are people with the DCM202 that have powerboost working. I dont know what the modem would say, I have the 5120 as well and it doesnt list the speed in its status page.

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Pick the closest server, what speeds do you get?

I have ran several tests and continuously get 6.3 to 6.4 down and 370 - 380 up. It really is a pretty nice modem, but absolutly no signs of Comcast PowerBoost.

I need to know more about how they send this "configrution file" to my modem. I think it has somthing to do with what configuraiton file they are sending and only allowing the:
Max Downstream Rate (bps) 6600000
Max Upstream Rate (bps) 384000

I do not have a lot of knowledge about cable modem configurations, but I think these should be higher (possibly the 12Mb up and 2 Mb down limit which would be my powerboost limits). Can anyone else go into there modem config GUI page and check out what they have for there DOCSIS settings?

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:07 pm

thepreshow wrote:I do not have a lot of knowledge about cable modem configurations, but I think these should be higher (possibly the 12Mb up and 2 Mb down limit which would be my powerboost limits). Can anyone else go into there modem config GUI page and check out what they have for there DOCSIS settings?

You need to find someone else with a DCM202, thats not in the Motorola 5120 config page.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:08 pm

YARDofSTUF wrote:You need to find someone else with a DCM202, thats not in the Motorola 5120 config page.

lol yeah, if you know anybody tell them to start posting here. Thanks for checking though and thanks for the help.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:14 pm

Have you thrown this idea at the tech support over the phone? Just be real confident sounding and maybe they'll transfer you to a smart guy. lol

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:02 pm

thepreshow wrote:
I need to know more about how they send this "configrution file" to my modem. I think it has somthing to do with what configuraiton file they are sending and only allowing the:

It's just a 10 minute phone call to them. Call them up and ask them to re-provision it (that's the term of when they push up the config file). You read them the MAC of your modem...and they remote in..a few minutes later ask you to power cycle the modem (or it will by itself when they are done..depending on the modem and the tech)...done.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:03 pm

YARDofSTUF wrote:Have you thrown this idea at the tech support over the phone? Just be real confident sounding and maybe they'll transfer you to a smart guy. lol

Yes, and he kept saying that I was connected at DOCSIS1.1 and everything looked normal. Yet I was still only getting 6.6 down. He kept trying to just re-send me the configuration file (that is obviously set at DOCSIS1.0). I am going to try and contact there second tier support, but I do not know if they just allow you to skip the first level of support.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:06 pm

YeOldeStonecat wrote:It's just a 10 minute phone call to them. Call them up and ask them to re-provision it (that's the term of when they push up the config file). You read them the MAC of your modem...and they remote in..a few minutes later ask you to power cycle the modem (or it will by itself when they are done..depending on the modem and the tech)...done.

They tried that several times, but I still ended up not getting powerboost. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but am I correct in thinking that this configuration file specifies the Maximum downstream and upstream?

Can you check to see what your max down and up streams are?

Can they manually change the configuration settings int he config file?

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:55 pm

powerboost will work with a SB modem if its available in your area.

if I was this frustrated by now i would have ordered it.

buckifan · Post by **buckifan** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:56 pm

If you really want to dig a little deeper you can use a tool like DocsDiag to find out the name of the config file and the address of the TFTP server that hosts it.

Once you have that information use a TFTP client like Tftpd32 to download a copy of the config file to your computer.

Now use a config file editor like VultureWare DOCSIS Config File Editor to open the file. The structure of a DOCSIS 1.0 file will be noticeably different from a 1.1 file but you should be able to identify your up and down speed values.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:31 pm

Sava700 wrote:powerboost will work with a SB modem if its available in your area.

if I was this frustrated by now i would have ordered it.

Man you give up to easy. I am not frustrated, just want to figure it out.

buckifan wrote:If you really want to dig a little deeper you can use a tool like DocsDiag to find out the name of the config file and the address of the TFTP server that hosts it.

Once you have that information use a TFTP client like Tftpd32 to download a copy of the config file to your computer.

Now use a config file editor like VultureWare DOCSIS Config File Editor to open the file. The structure of a DOCSIS 1.0 file will be noticeably different from a 1.1 file but you should be able to identify your up and down speed values.

Where do I get an example of a DOCSIS1.1 config file? My guess is that within my configuration file, it states that:
Max Downstream Rate (bps) 6600000
Max Upstream Rate (bps) 384000

What would it be for a powerboost DOCSIS1.1 setup? What are you currently getting for a max down and up (according to config file and not to a speed test).

buckifan · Post by **buckifan** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:02 pm

Where do I get an example of a DOCSIS1.1 config file?

Use your TFTP client and download this DOCSIS1.1 Comcast config file and take a look at the values for Up/Down Maximum Sustained Traffic Rate:

d11_m_na_c05.cm

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:29 am

thepreshow wrote:Man you give up to easy. I am not frustrated, just want to figure it out.

naw I don't give up easy.. I just know what works for me too keep things simple.. and the SB5120 is the best modem by comcast users on their systems.. dont believe me? ask over at the dslreports.com forums.

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:36 pm

buckifan wrote:Use your TFTP client and download this DOCSIS1.1 Comcast config file and take a look at the values for Up/Down Maximum Sustained Traffic Rate:

d11_m_na_c05.cm

Thanks for the help buckifan, but I think the DCM-202 already has some sort of config output in the admin gui. From my first post, it shows the max up/down that is being set i the config. It also states the frequency and any other information I think will be present from just viewing the raw DOCSIS config file. Could I somehow pull a different config from the Comcast TFTP server that is DOCSIS1.1 capable?

elphracko · Post by **elphracko** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:03 am

Looks like you found your DCM-202 mate. Yes I have one of those wonderful POS modems. I am on the Comcast Gold Tier 88000 / 768

No powerboost here either. I have spoken to comcast head-end techs, dlink support, and comcast support. I get the same answer everytime. We do not know why but this modem is not able to pull the powerboost speeds.

The config file has nothing to do with it, That much I am sure of. Here is a screen shot of my config page. If I find anymore info out about this or a way to fix it I will pass it along.

Bob_Ellis · Post by **Bob_Ellis** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 6:40 pm

Have you tried the Tweaks offered in this forum? Particularly here: https://www.speedguide.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=192212

Until I ran that tweak, I was stuck at ~768K down, now I am getting great response through a Linksys cable modem.

Speedtest.net gave me the following a few minutes ago: (2 tests to NY from the Philly area, one to Utah for fun was just a bit slower dragging the average down.)

Internet Provider: COMCAST CABLE
Total Tests Taken: 3
Fastest Download: 17656 kb/s
Fastest Upload: 958 kb/s
Average Download: 17445 kb/s
Average Upload: 951 kb/s

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 8:31 am

elphracko wrote:Looks like you found your DCM-202 mate. Yes I have one of those wonderful POS modems. I am on the Comcast Gold Tier 88000 / 768

No powerboost here either. I have spoken to comcast head-end techs, dlink support, and comcast support. I get the same answer everytime. We do not know why but this modem is not able to pull the powerboost speeds.

The config file has nothing to do with it, That much I am sure of. Here is a screen shot of my config page. If I find anymore info out about this or a way to fix it I will pass it along.

the config has EVERYTHING to do with it.... if you don't have the right one it won't push your speeds for powerboost.

here is the one I have for my sb5120 and as of now I'm only able to get download powerboost.
d11_m_sb5120_silverdeluxe_c02.cm

the upload I think comes from a speedtier_c02.cm config. Most people get it by doing a power cycle of the modem to force the config to push through..but if its not available in your area then you won't have it.

BUT, you might want to test to a few different locations.. cause I'm 150miles from DC and yet powerboost doesn't show up hardly at all when I test to that location..but when I test to Chicago or someplace else farther away it shows up alot!!! Its just in the routing from me to the test site is what causes that.

buckifan · Post by **buckifan** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:53 pm

Sava700 wrote:the config has EVERYTHING to do with it.... if you don't have the right one it won't push your speeds for powerboost.

here is the one I have for my sb5120 and as of now I'm only able to get download powerboost.
d11_m_sb5120_silverdeluxe_c02.cm

I've made an image of the Downstream Service Flow from the config file d11_m_sb5120_silverdeluxe_c02.cm. As related to Powerboost the key column is Max Traffic Burst with the value of 10MB. That means that theoretically you could download a 10MB file at unlimited speed before rate limiting would kick in. At that point the Max Sustained Traffic Rate would take over and your download speed would be rate limited to 6.6Mb/s. Of course your speed during the "unlimited" portion of the download would be limited by network congestion and your hardware but some crazy speeds have been recorded by Commiecast users.

The Upstream Service Flow values from this file don't have a value set for Max Traffic Burst so the default of 2 frames is in effect.

tbenton · Post by **tbenton** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 1:23 pm

I just gave Comcast back their Moto Surfboard modem and bought a new one since I just found out that I have to have a newer one to get Powerboost and also now don't have to lease one from them. How do I know if Powerboost is working?

Thanks

Terri

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 3:37 pm

tbenton wrote:I just gave Comcast back their Moto Surfboard modem and bought a new one since I just found out that I have to have a newer one to get Powerboost and also now don't have to lease one from them. How do I know if Powerboost is working?

Thanks

Terri

http://www.speedtest.net

tbenton · Post by **tbenton** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:27 am

Thanks for the lilnk to your YoS stuff but there was no reply to my question?

thepreshow · Post by **thepreshow** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:05 am

buckifan wrote:I've made an image of the Downstream Service Flow from the config file d11_m_sb5120_silverdeluxe_c02.cm. As related to Powerboost the key column is Max Traffic Burst with the value of 10MB. That means that theoretically you could download a 10MB file at unlimited speed before rate limiting would kick in. At that point the Max Sustained Traffic Rate would take over and your download speed would be rate limited to 6.6Mb/s. Of course your speed during the "unlimited" portion of the download would be limited by network congestion and your hardware but some crazy speeds have been recorded by Commiecast users.

The Upstream Service Flow values from this file don't have a value set for Max Traffic Burst so the default of 2 frames is in effect.

Alright thanks buckifan. I am going to snag that config file this weekend and will try and get it posted up here. I have a pretty big feeling that it will have a max downstream of 6Mb. Thanks again for everyone’s help.

tbenton wrote:Thanks for the lilnk to your YoS stuff but there was no reply to my question?

Run the speedtest and see if you get a "spead burst" (I think 10Mb for the 6Mb tier and 12Mb for the 8Mb tier) fr around 15-30 seconds. Don't quote me on that because I am still unable to get it.

By the way, it’s pretty damn rude to snipe someone’s thread, then complain that they are not answering your questions. Start a new thread and maybe people will be more helpful.

tbenton · Post by **tbenton** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:14 am

Snipe a thread? Excuse me? I thought the appropriate method was to join a thread that was related the subject I was interested in since the topic was already started. I searched for a thread to avoid redundancy. I use many forums and have never been accused of such a thing. I was NOT complaining about no answers being posted. Its just that I got email that you posted to my question and all I saw was YoS so wondered if you just forgot to finish your post. Chill out..goodness!

I have always found people on forums like this one very helpful and kind...until now.

BTW...I got 19Mb download on speedtests yesterday. Love my replacement Surfboard modem!

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:42 am

thepreshow wrote:Alright thanks buckifan. I am going to snag that config file this weekend

you can try to "snag a config file" LOL But Comcast like all others push this through themselves from their system... there is no way to find this and force it to the modem yourself. You pretty much just have to reboot the modem every so often and if they wish to upgrade your area it will force through over the line.

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:44 am

tbenton wrote:Snipe a thread? Excuse me? I thought the appropriate method was to join a thread that was related the subject I was interested in since the topic was already started. I searched for a thread to avoid redundancy. I use many forums and have never been accused of such a thing. I was NOT complaining about no answers being posted. Its just that I got email that you posted to my question and all I saw was YoS so wondered if you just forgot to finish your post. Chill out..goodness!

I have always found people on forums like this one very helpful and kind...until now.

BTW...I got 19Mb download on speedtests yesterday. Love my replacement Surfboard modem!

YOS answered your question by posting a speed test site.. this should show it bursting cause if your testing anything over your "Paid for amount" then thats powerboost. Another way is to download a big file from someplace you know you will get fast downloads from..and I mean fast and watch it peak out..then back off slowly after first 20seconds.

my opinion on powerboost is its ok to show off on speedtests but its nothing like the higher tiers other ISP's offer like Verizon Fios which I'd kill to have!

tbenton · Post by **tbenton** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:59 am

They are installing FIOS around where I live and the people in the neighborhood are loudly complaining about the trenching. Silly fools.

I see what you mean about the speed test site he posted to me. I thought it was just part of his 'siggie'. I use several speed sites and that is one of them. All he had to do was say that. I am not the geek that many on here are so I came here to learn; not to be slapped around.

T

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:20 am

tbenton wrote:They are installing FIOS around where I live and the people in the neighborhood are loudly complaining about the trenching. Silly fools.

I'd give anything to hear those sounds here... I'm so sick of Comcast after 6months I'm almost ready to go back to dialup.

tbenton · Post by **tbenton** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:38 am

I have had Comcast cable modem from the day they offered it years ago and it has been wonderful. Only outage was when contractor cut cable but they restored it fast. With the new modem I am more than happy. Comcast seems to differ depending on what market you are in..go figure. Their digital cable is so perfect we are in no rush for HD but they offer it. I could not live w/o the DVR...spoiled now.

You should check with Verizon about FIOS coming to your area. They are being very aggressive with their implementation nationwide.

Sidebar..did you go to VT? I went to Old Dominion in Norfolk and am life long Virginian. The tragedy is still an open wound. The shooter lived 20 minutes from me.

T

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DCM-202 and Comcast Powerboost

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